Your kidneys play a vital role in supporting your overall health. They are bean-shaped organs that act as a natural filtration system, which helps remove waste products and excess fluid from our blood. They also help maintain electrolyte balance, which in turn regulates muscle and nerve function.
However, when your kidneys stop functioning the way they should, it can lead to various complications and affect different parts of your body. This, surprisingly, also includes your eyes. In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr SA Rehman, General Medicine, Associate Professor, Noida International Institute of Medical Sciences and Hospital, NIU, explains the link and explains ways to approach it.
Also Read: Chronic Kidney Disease: Expert Explains Its Stages
What Is A Kidney Disease?
Kidney disease refers to any condition that damages your kidneys and hampers their ability to function properly. As discussed, these vital organs filter waste products and excess fluid from your blood.
However, when kidney disease develops, waste products and fluids can build up in your body, leading to various health problems. Worldwide, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) affects 70 crore to 100 crore people, with a prevalence of 9.1% to 13.4%, as per a study published in the Kidney International Supplements.
The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shares that diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and obesity are some of the most common risk factors for CKD.
Common health problems associated with untreated CKD include:
- Anaemia or low Red Blood Cell (RBC) count
- Fluid retention, which can cause high blood pressure, swelling in the legs, or shortness of breath
- A weakened immune system
- Loss of appetite or nausea
- Confusion, problems with memory and thinking, or depression
- Low calcium levels and high phosphorus levels
- High potassium levels in the blood
How Kidney Disease Impacts The Eyes
There are various ways that kidney issues might impact the eyes, says Dr Rehman.
According to him, the body's fluid and electrolyte balance is critically dependent on the kidneys, which is why fluid retention can happen when the kidneys are not working correctly, causing swelling around the eyes.
Fluid retention, or oedema, occurs when excess fluid builds up in the tissues, leading to swelling, tightened, shiny skin, joint pain, and weight gain.
“Moreover, hypertensive retinopathy, a disorder notorious for damaging the blood vessels in the retina, can result from high blood pressure, which is frequently linked to renal illness,” he adds.
One of the common symptoms of kidney disease-related eye problems includes dry and painful eyes. This may occur as a result of uremic toxins that build up when kidneys are not filtering well or as a general fluid imbalance in the body that affects tear production.
Other symptoms include flashing lights, sudden changes in vision, including blurred vision or vision loss, and sudden floaters in the eyes.
Also Read: Kidney Disease In Children: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and More
Other Symptoms That Can Help Identify A Kidney Disease
Other symptoms of kidney disease include:
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, face, or hands
- Changes in urine output and appearance
- Fatigue and weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or vomiting
- Persistent itching
How To Approach The Condition
As per Dr Rehman, speaking with a medical expert is the first step towards treating the symptoms of kidney disease.
A person suffering from the health ailment may have to undergo urine testing to search for abnormalities that point to an illness of the kidneys, as well as blood tests to check for kidney function markers like blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine.
Based on the results and the severity of the symptoms, a doctor may advise certain medications and lifestyle changes. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and drinking adequate amounts of water are healthy choices you should make. Additionally, people should maintain certain dietary restrictions, such as limiting salt. Avoid smoking and consuming alcohol if you have any kidney disease-related symptoms.